Ask Paul | National Electrical Code

In this episode of Master The NEC Podcast, we continue our practical breakdown of important 2023 NEC and 2026 NEC electrical code topics that every electrician, electrical inspector, plans examiner, contractor, engineer, and electrical code professional should understand. This episode focuses on real-world National Electrical Code questions, common installation mistakes, and key changes in the 202...

In this episode of Master The NEC Podcast, we break down important 2023 NEC and 2026 NEC electrical code topics that every electrician, electrical inspector, plans examiner, contractor, engineer, and code professional should understand. This episode focuses on practical National Electrical Code questions, real-world field applications, and common mistakes made when applying NEC rules in residentia...

This episode we talk about the 2026 National Electrical Code and the major changes in Article 300 from the 2023 NEC to the 2026 edition of the National Electrical Code. Listen as Paul breaks down some of the changes, renumbering, and subtle changes that all electricians need to be aware of as they venture into the last published edition of the National Electrical Code. Listen as Paul Abernathy, CE...

This episode we talk about the 2026 National Electrical Code and the major differences in Article 625 for Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System and Article 624 for Electric Self-Propelled Power Transfer Systems. In this podcast we will explain the difference between the two and where the lines are drawn for those electricians who will be working on both types of systems. Listen as Paul Abernathy,...

This episode we talk about the 2026 National Electrical Code and how finally 120.6, which was previously 220.60, is not clean and straight to the point. In this little podcast we will bring it to life and explain how you would utilize it in an everyday situation. A casual conversation about how to treat the loads. Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO, and Founder of Electrical Code Academy, Inc., the lea...

This episode we talk about some Wannabe “Engineer” who claims they are “The Electrical Expert” and wants to talk engineering theory with an NEC Guy. Yep, you guessed it, as someone who has been at the highest level of electrical code training for nearly 40 years there is always “That One Guy” so I guess that guy is Thomas. Well, we have issued an OPEN CHALLENGE to “Thomas” and clearly we have prov...

This episode will introduce you to what is happening at ECA, Inc. and also tell you about our latest product line of Stackable Modular Storage Systems known as Stack Caddy™ as well as our fun new line of Wire Nut inspired koozies, drill bit holders, and containers for Electricians. The have introduced an entire line devoted to organizing your What Nots for the trade. Organize It, Stack It, and Car...

This episode is what the upcoming articles that will be featured in EC and M Magazine starting in July 2026 and why Electrical Inspectors and Electricians will want to read it. Paul Abernathy, CEO and Founder of Electrical Code Academy, Inc. will be discussing the intricate relationship between electrical inspectors and electricians and how they both may see things differently while they both are...

This episode is powerful because we introduced a free course on NECCHAT.com for Mastering Conductor Ampacity. The new social forum is designed for apprentices and electricians to join in by posting images, videos, random posts, as well as electrical specific topic questions for like minded individuals who enjoy a great conversation without disagreements and arguing. In this episode, we also answer...

Big news is coming from Electrical Code Academy, Inc. In this episode, Paul Abernathy shares the recent agreement between Electrical Code Academy, Inc. and EC&M Magazine, where Paul will be contributing six articles annually, along with twelve videos and twelve podcast episodes each year focused on key issues affecting the electrical industry. The content will cover important developments in t...

In this motivational episode, we explore why persistence and preparation are the keys to passing your electrical exam. Too many aspiring electricians fail because they either cram at the last minute or don’t use their study programs effectively. Research from Cornell’s Learning Strategies Center shows that breaking your study sessions into shorter periods over several days leads to better exam per...

This episode is powerful because it addresses a question posed via the Let’s Ask Paul Portal at https://FastTraxSystem.com . Today’s questions are about using a 15A Receptacle on a 20A Commercial Branch Circuit and a classic Transformers Question. Of course, we will also chat about anything, so come on and listen. We are excited to announce that we have passed 2,000,000 unique downloads this year....

This episode is powerful because it focuses on a question presented to NECA as a Question of the Day. Listen as Paul explains the use of PVC on a fuel dispensing pump, and its use of Rigid Metal Conduit, and the question is about the bonding rules. Let’s break it down and expand on the answer provided by NECA to the individual who submitted the question. Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO and Founder o...

In this episode, we tackle one of the hardest truths in entrepreneurship—knowing when a business isn’t ready to stand on its own. Too many people pour thousands of dollars, years of time, and even money from family into ventures that simply aren’t producing enough income to survive. At some point, determination can turn into financial damage. We discuss how to recognize when it’s time to shift gea...

In today’s connected world, burning bridges in the electrical industry can cost you far more than you realize. In this episode, The Electrical Guru dives into the real-world consequences of publicly criticizing inspectors, manufacturers, educators, and fellow electricians—especially on social media. The electrical trade is a tight-knit community where reputations travel fast, and opportunities oft...

This episode is powerful because it focuses on the value of Home Inspectors to the electrician and not just the buyer and/or seller. You may be shocked, pun intended, to learn what Paul Abernathy, a nationally recognized electrical expert, thinks about home inspectors and what they bring to the table for electricians. We, as electricians and electrical contractors, are always looking to grow our b...

This episode is powerful because it focuses on the importance of soft skills, such as communication and conflict mitigation, that all service employees need to be trained to understand the importance of Soft Skills in the Trades.   The company's reputation can be destroyed by one bad service call. The results of poor people skills can undo thousands of hours, if not years of hard work, when it cou...

🧠 Being the best electrician in the world does not make you the best electrical contractor — and it definitely does not guarantee business success. In this episode, Paul Abernathy breaks down the uncomfortable truth most electricians never hear: Technical skill alone does not build profitable, scalable electrical contracting businesses. You’ll learn: Why customers don’t buy your technical ability...

This episode is powerful because it provides an overview of a critical concept: effectively removing electrical power from a circuit or equipment and restoring it to an electrically safe condition. This podcast episode will provide a summary and overview of the 2-hour video on FastTraxTube.com, which discusses creating an Electrically Safe Working Condition using NFPA 70E and OSHA 1910.333 practic...

Certified Thermal Electrician™ is the most complete thermal imaging certification program built specifically for electricians, electrical inspectors, and electrical contractors. This video is a sample from our program lesson on Understanding Severity in Electrical Thermal Imaging. This professional thermal imaging training teaches you how to safely perform infrared inspections, interpret thermal i...

This episode is powerful because it focuses on the free thermal imaging calculators we have at ThermalElectrician.com and how they can be useful to anyone who is using a thermal camera in the field for accurate and reliable results. Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO of Electrical Code Academy, Inc., and creator of the Certified Thermal Electrician program. Taking great electricians and making them ama...

This episode is powerful because it focuses on when untrained thermography experts peddle fear instead of facts to gain customers. In fact, in this episode, we talk about a few examples where a contractor lied to a customer and how that very act can give the profession a bad name. There is a difference between a Thermographer and a Certified Thermal Electrician, and we set the record straight in t...

This episode is powerful because pricing is the #1 issue that destroys contractor profitability, confidence, and scalability. Episode 47 positions YOU to become the authority who understands your value and breaks free from fear-based pricing. Many contractors are working their pricing backward, using an hourly rate, and actually have no idea what their cost of doing business actually is. They figh...

In this episode, Paul talks about that famous plateau that many contractors experience as they attempt to grow their business. It’s not just a mental block; it is a real limitation that will stunt your business growth if you do not learn how to overcome it. In this episode, we will dig into all these topics to help you break that limitation and strive for growth. Listen as Paul Abernathy, CEO and...

In this episode, Paul discusses the importance of building a strong relationship with your customer from the outset, enabling the cash cow to flourish and ultimately drive growth. Learn the touchpoints to building a relationship with your customer and now to retain their business in the future. This is not rocket science, but there is a proven method for building success with repeat business rathe...